This week, Swiss Re, in a Sigma report, estimated that insured global losses from natural and man-made catastrophes came to $37bn last year, compared to a 10-year average of $62bn, representing 40% of total economic losses.

British annuity providers Just Retirement and Partnership Assurance have completed a £1.4bn ($2bn, €1.8bn) merger which saw it relaunch on the London Stock Exchange Monday as JRP Group.

US-based life insurance company MetLife saw its share price rise 5% after a judge ruled that the government’s decision to label it a systemically important financial institution (SIFI) be withdrawn.

Janet Yellen’s Economic Club of New York speech provided a timely reminder that nobody can move markets like central bankers.

This week, Lloyd's reported pre-tax profit down 30% for 2015 at £2.1bn, with investment income significantly lower and pricing tighter.This week, Lloyd's reported pre-tax profit down 30% for 2015 at £2.1bn, with investment income significantly lower and pricing tighter.

As 2016 gets underway, the Bank of England is taking its microscope to the connections between insurers’ asset allocation decisions, Solvency II, movements in asset prices and the wider economy.